Lions boss Gatland blasted after handing out spots to Wales flops

Tourists labelled a farce as things go from bad to worse in New Zealand

Jonny Fordham in Rotorua

17 Jun 2017, 5:16

Updated: 17 Jun 2017, 16:51

WARREN GATLAND is under fire after bizarrely calling up Wales fringe players for his Lions squad.

The boss picked Cory Hill, Kristian Dacey, Gareth Davies and Tomas Francis to link up with his squad in Rotorua today.

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Warren Gatlands side need a win to boost confidence after their defeat against HighlandersCredit: Getty Images

They will all become benchwarmers for the game against the Chiefs next week and were only picked as they were already in New Zealand.

But by selecting four players who are nowhere near Lions quality and ignoring England stars Joe Launchbury and George Ford - Gatland has made an absolute mockery of the jersey.

Former Lion and England winger Ugo Money tweeted: "Complete b*******.

"Shouldn't become a Lion based on locality. The most exclusive club in rugby needs to be just that."

England boss Eddie Jones said: "It's only a 13-hour trip from here to New Zealand.

"The boys could be there.

"The Lions is a prestigious team - when you become a Lion, you're remembered for life. My only comment would be I would like to see it picked on merit rather than geographical proximity."

David Flatman, who never became a Lion but played for England, added: "Always been sad never to have become a Lion. Turns out I was merely geographically naive. Seems pretty average. Not a pleasing move, for me."

Fans pilled in by and hit social media to express their disgust.

They labelled the call-ups a joke, a farce, disgraceful and ridiculous.